computer-use

Automates clicking, typing, and scrolling in native desktop applications without stealing cursor focus.

Updated Jul 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/timchap/dot-hermes --skill computer-use-timchap
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: computer-use
Source: https://github.com/timchap/dot-hermes/tree/main/skills/computer-use
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/timchap/dot-hermes --skill computer-use-timchap

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Driving native desktop applications (browsers, Finder, Mail, chat clients) programmatically usually requires moving the user's cursor and stealing keyboard focus, interrupting their work. This Skill lets an AI agent click, type, scroll, and drag inside the user's real apps in the background, on macOS, Windows, and Linux. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Screenshot capture with numbered element overlays: Capture any app's window with Set-of-Mark overlays and an accessibility-tree index, so elements can be targeted by index instead of pixel coordinates. - Full GUI action vocabulary: Click, double-click, right-click, drag, scroll, type, and send platform-specific keyboard shortcuts, with optional inline post-action captures for verification. - Background operation: Input is routed to the target app without raising windows, switching virtual desktops, or moving the real OS cursor. - Use Case: Ask the agent to reply to a message in a native chat app while you keep typing in your editor; it captures the chat window, clicks the input field by element index, types the reply, and verifies with a follow-up screenshot. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to open your browser, capture the current window, and click a specific element using the computer_use tool.

Frequently Asked Questions about computer-use

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate clicking in desktop apps without moving the mouse?▼

Use the computer_use capture action to get a screenshot with numbered element overlays, then call click with the element index. Input is routed to the target app in the background, so the real OS cursor and keyboard focus never move.

How to automate GUI tasks on macOS, Windows, and Linux with one tool?▼

The computer_use action vocabulary works identically across all three platforms, backed by cua-driver for platform plumbing. Keyboard shortcuts differ per platform (cmd on macOS, ctrl on Windows/Linux), and accessibility role names follow each host framework.

When should I use computer_use instead of browser automation tools?▼

Use browser_* tools for web automation since headless Chromium is more reliable for web tasks. Use computer_use when the task requires the user's actual native apps such as Finder, Mail, native chat clients, Figma, or games.

Why does computer_use return empty captures on Linux?▼

Empty captures usually mean DISPLAY is not set under X11 or the session is running on pure Wayland. Ask the user to run hermes computer-use doctor, which runs a structured health report identifying the exact platform issue.

Why did my click on an element index fail or have no effect?▼

Element indices become stale after any UI change, so re-capture before clicking. If the click still has no effect, a hidden modal may be blocking input; dismiss it with escape or its close button, then retry.

Can computer_use type passwords or handle permission dialogs?▼

No. The skill hard-blocks typing passwords, API keys, and credit card numbers, and never clicks permission dialogs, payment UI, or 2FA prompts. Dangerous shell patterns in typed text are also blocked at the tool level.